New England Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard paid the price professionally for his involvement in the attack of a police officer by tumbling in last year's NFL Draft, but now he will be forced to endure a much more personal hardship.

According to Lori Pilger of the Lincoln Journal Star, Dennard has been sentenced to probation as well as a 30-day jail sentence for his involvement in the incident. The sentence will begin on March 31, 2014, and he will have to complete 100 hours of community service as well.

Dennard was a standout cornerback at the University of Nebraska and many believed that he would be a first-round selection in the 2012 draft, but off-the-field issues caused him to plummet as the Patriots took him in the seventh round with the 224th overall selection.

Although Dennard’s play was a bit inconsistent, he contributed quite a bit for a seventh-round pick. He played in 10 regular-season games for the Pats, recording 35 tackles and nabbing three interceptions. He played in two playoff games for New England as well and managed to force a fumble. His NFL career looks fairly bright, but he must first overcome his personal shortcomings.

According to ShaliseManza Young of The Boston Globe, Dennard was arrested on April 21, 2012, and charged with assaulting a police officer. Dennard was reportedly celebrating with friends at some bars in Lincoln, Neb., before getting into an altercation with another college student.

Officer Ben Kopsa attempted to diffuse the situation, but Dennard reportedly became aggressive and struck Kopsa. News of Dennard’s arrest spread like wildfire days before the NFL draft, and he ultimately lost a lot of money because of it.

Dennard did land in an ideal situation with the Patriots if nothing else, but he has paid dearly for his actions. According to Pilger, the judge will consider motions to change probation terms, including possibly suspending jail time down the line, so all things considered, Dennard should consider himself to be very lucky.

Provided the Patriots stick by Dennard and remain committed to him as a player and a person, he should be able to resume his NFL career without any issues, and he’ll have the opportunity to be a key contributor in 2013.